I am a Partner at Boult, with extensive experience of a wide range of IP matters. I specialise in preparing and prosecuting UK, European and PCT patent applications, and in representing clients in European Opposition and Appeal proceedings. I am also experienced in due diligence matters, providing freedom to operate (FTO) advice and advising clients involved in patent litigation.
I have particular expertise in handling patent and technology matters relating to molecular biology and biological therapeutics, acting in matters regarding diagnostic assays, genetic analysis, genetic engineering and gene silencing, stem cell technology, drug delivery, antibody therapeutics and vaccines. My practice is currently focused on technology platforms based on CRISPR/Cas gene editing, DNA synthesis, immune profiling for diagnosis and monitoring of disease, next-generation sequencing and single-cell sequencing.
I advise a wide range of clients, from start-ups (with just one inventor) to multinational biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies. I particularly enjoy working with my clients to devise IP strategies that maximise the strength of their IP and are specifically tailored to their commercial objectives.
I am also an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) with East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust. I enjoy the practical nature of this role which challenges me in very different ways from my patent work.
Recent experience
Represented Molecular Instruments (MI) before the Hague Local Division of the Unified Patent Court (UPC) in which the Court decided that there was no infringement by MI of the asserted patents (see UPC_CFI_187/2024 and UPC_CFI_507/2024). The Hague Local Division of the Unified Patent Court (UPC) delivered its decision in Advanced Cell Diagnostics (ACD) v Molecular Instruments (MI) on 18 November 2025. ACD had asserted that MI’s HCR™ RNA-ISH technology infringed European Patents EP1910572 and EP2500439. The Court decided that there was no infringement of the asserted patents, either literally or by equivalence. MI was represented in the UPC by the combined team of Gowling WLG (UK) LLP, Boult Wade Tennant LLP, and De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek N.V. For further details see the press release here.
Assisting CS Genetics Limited with the development of its extensive patent portfolio in the field of single cell genomics.
Assisting 4basebio to develop an extensive patent portfolio covering the company’s technology in the fields of synthetic DNA and nanoparticle delivery solutions. On 29 July 2024, 4basebio announced a major equity issuance and secondary sale, raising a total of £69.4 million (see here). I assisted the 4basebio management team during investor-led due diligence that led to the transaction.
Testimonials and recognitions
- Recommended Individual, JUVE, 2025
“IP is a crucial element in the value proposition of 4basebio. James Legg and his team have been instrumental in protecting 4basebio innovations and developing our ever expanding and robust IP estate! It has been a pleasure to work with James, Olga and the wider team and we look forward continuing our exciting partnership as we build the company.” – Dr Heikki Lanckriet (CEO and CSO), 4basebio, 2024
“James and his team have been critical in the development of our comprehensive IP portfolio, and are an extension of the 4basebio R&D groups with respect to capturing our continued innovation. James, Olga and their wider team have a deep understanding of our core technology platforms and are fantastic to work with. We look forward to continuing our relationship through the company’s next phase of growth’. – Dr Amy Walker (COO), 4basebio, 2024
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